When temperatures start to drop in Europe, the airfares follow suit. Coincidently, this makes the perfect time of year to visit Vienna. Vienna, known for its music, kaffeehauses (coffee houses) and ornate architecture is known for something a little more festive during the winter months: Its Christkindlmarkt.
The free-to-enter Christmas Markets are a great way to explore Vienna’s food and famous facades. The Rathaus, or Vienna’s town hall, is one of the most visually stunning structures in the city, while being host to the largest Christkindlmarkt in Vienna.
Baked goods aside, scents of fresh pine, steaming heiße Schokolade (hot chocolate) and cloves and orange from the glühwein (hot wine) spiral through the Rauthauspark all of December. Most drinks, with or without alcohol, can be purchased for just a couple Euro. Candies, baked goods, ornaments and candles are sold at the farm-like stands that carve the pathways through the park. Items sold are inexpensive, local and make for great keepsakes or gifts.
Stephansplatz, a short stroll from Rauthauspark, is primarily the epicenter of Vienna. The pedestrian-only streets are put in motion with city shoppers and street performers, but the real star of the show is the Stephansdom. One of the tallest churches in the world, the Stephansdom is also one of the most beautiful (Notre Dame has met its match). The roof tile work and ornate spire are best viewed from the lofted, all-glass bar named Onyx, housed within the Haas Haus as part of the Hotel DO&CO.
Just five minutes by foot toward Karsplatz will land you at the Café Sacher. Sacher is made famous for its recipe-protected Sachertorte, or chocolate cake with apricot jam. As one of the most famous cakes in the world, it’s without saying that other cafes have their variations—most notably Café Demel. The history between these two dueling cafes is convoluted and interesting, so much so that the battle of the Sachertorte has been raised to Austria’s high courts. I say try both!
My time in Vienna was spent with great friends, who all live in Austria. Having traveled over Thanksgiving holiday, their kind gesture of goose dinner with sweet red cabbage, chestnuts and dumplings in a traditional Viennese pub made me feel right at home. Having been to many cities all over the world, Vienna is one of my favorites. Vienna is so rich with public sites that wallets stay happy, especially if traveling by foot. I’d do winter in Wien, again.
Story and photos by Joshua Clark.
